T-SUNUS Green Solar Lights Outdoor, 4 LED Solar Garden Lights, IP65 Waterproof, Auto-on/Off, 2 Bright Modes Security Lights Christmas Landscape Light for Garden Tree Yard Lawn Patio Stairs - 2Pack

Product Information

We tested 27 outdoor solar lights in our Lab, evaluating each based on its setup, features, design, brightness, durability, and value. First, we unboxed each product and assembled it according to the manufacturer's instructions. We then charged each light in direct sunlight for the amount of time specified in the instructions. In general, the batteries in solar lights last between 1-2 years with continual use, and the LED bulbs can last more than 10 years, depending on the quality and usage. However, if the solar light is exposed to extreme weather conditions, such as excessive heat or cold, or if the battery is not maintained properly, the lifespan may be shortened. Before purchasing a solar light, ask yourself exactly what you need so you can find a solar light that best suits your needs.

Why You Should Get It: If you're looking for a durable spotlight that stands up to water and offers motion-sensing options, this is a smart choice.We added these fairy lights to our test in 2022 and they survived one of the coldest winters in recent years in our test garden. The Ring Solar Pathlights provided incredibly bright light, and the system as a whole was quite durable. However, a Ring Bridge and a smartphone app are required to connect it to Alexa. We weren't able to get the app working properly during testing, which is why we didn't include it on our list of the best outdoor solar lights. If you have the time and patience to devote to setup—and you already own other Ring accessories—this could still be a great fit for your home. Wall-Mounted Lights: Wall-mounted solar lights can come in several different forms, like lanterns, spotlights, flood lights, etc. Regardless, mounting lights to a wall or fence can help illuminate the perimeter of your space for added guidance. IP stands for Ingress Protection and relates to the amount of protection the fixture will have against solids and liquids," says Singleton. "A good rating for an outdoor solar light would be IP65. The first number refers to the ability to repel dust and debris, six being the highest. The second number refers to how airtight the fixture is. Level five will [protect] against angled spray, while level eight can be completely submerged in deep water." Solar lights do not require an external power source or electrical wiring, making them a cost-effective alternative to traditional lights. They are also low-maintenance, as they do not need to be connected to a power source or have their bulbs replaced as frequently.

For a simple spotlight, consider this set of two. Its three pieces are easy to assemble and can either be staked into the ground or mounted on a wall with the included screws. These spotlights are the only outdoor solar lights on our list with motion-sensing technology—meaning they have a built-in sensor that can detect movement within a 33-foot range and 120-degree angle—and in our testing, we found that it worked as expected. According to the manufacturer, the light will be triggered by people, animals, and cars, but not by wind, rain, or frost. Given the IP68 weather-resistance rating, the AloftSun Motion Sensor Solar Spotlights unsurprisingly survived all our durability testing. Use a soft cloth or sponge to clean the light fixture, and avoid using any abrasive cleaners or scrubbers that may damage the surface. Solar-powered lights with motion sensors allow you to add lighting when and where you need it. The Linkind StarRay LED Solar Motion Sensor Landscape Spotlights have two modes to suit your needs. You can choose to have them turn on for 25 seconds when motion is detected or to operate constantly at half light and only brighten for 10 seconds when motion is detected. (We noted that on the second mode, the difference between half-light and full-light was hardly detectable, although both modes are bright enough that we could read under them.) Although they are powered during the day, these lights do not automatically turn on at dusk unless you select one of those modes. PowerBee says this larger solar panel means the lights should stay on for longer, and that they'll work over winter, which not many solar lights claim. We've found this to be spot on. These lights have been shining brightly around a tree in our test garden for three years now; they're often still shining brightly in the early hours of the morning (6am), even in the depths of winter.We chose the AloftSun Solar Motion Sensor Outdoor Lights as the overall best outdoor solar lights for their durability, water resistance, and motion-sensing capabilities. If you're looking for a set of string lights, testers loved the Brightech Ambience Pro Solar Powered Outdoor String Lights, because they held up to water and freezing temperatures. And, while the bulbs are made of plastic, testers said they were clear and didn't look inexpensive. Strung on a flexible, shapeable copper wire, these whimsical, fairy lights from Brightown can be wrapped around just about anything, including shrubs, trees, railings, and more. Keep in mind that they’re designed to produce low, ambient light that’s more for decoration than visibility. In our testing, these automatic dusk-to-dawn lights did not provide enough brightness to read a book—but when fully charged, they stayed on for 7 hours and 56 minutes. One of the most unique features is the numerous modes, including sequential, waves, slow glow, slow fade, twinkle, and steady on, so you can switch things up from time to time or play around with them to determine which you like best. The Brightown LED Solar Powered Fairy Lights come in a set of two and are available in multiple sizes (ranging in length from 33 to 198 feet) and colors (like warm white, bright green, and multicolor).